The Pretend Boyfriend

Chapter 4

The sun peeked through the clouds, sending bright rays through my bedroom window. I opened my eyes a little, squinting. I lifted my head off the pillow, but immediately plunked it back down again. I rubbed my sore eyes, and dozed off.

'Bring bring!' my alarm rang out through my peaceful sleep. I jolted upright; the sound of the alarm was unbearable. I stooped to my desk, and turned the darn thing off. It was six am, much too early for me. Regrettably, I had no choice. It was time to pick up Tina. I didn't bother much with my morning routine. I brushed my teeth for five seconds, max. I hopped in the shower, turned the tap on, and then stepped right out. I pulled on whichever clothes were within arms reach, and then tied up my hair, without brushing it. Needless to say, I looked sunning! Not. I glided down the stairs, and stopped at the front door. My mum emerged from the kitchen, humming to herself. 'Arrgghh!' she shrieked, as she appraised me. 'What's wrong?' I asked innocently.

'Sienna, you look hideous. Now hurry up and get in the car.' Well, that was easy!

I remained silent for the whole one and a half hour car ride. We finally pulled up at the airport, which was already buzzing with activity. 'Can't I just wait in the car?' I groaned. 'No,' came my mum's immediate response. I dragged myself out, and buttoned up my coat, as the cool morning breeze hit.

'Courtney dear,' Tina said, embracing my mum, practically squishing her. Why did Tina have to speak to everyone as if they were a child? Before I could think of an answer, it was my turn to be suffocated. 'Oh Sienna, look at how much you've grown!' I rolled my eyes, and pulled away. Tina was such a pain in the neck. Looking at her five massive suitcases, I knew that the torture was just beginning.

My dad was sitting at the dining table, having breakfast, and reading the newspaper. When he saw Tina, he stood up, and went over to shake her hand in greeting. Dad and I felt the same way about Tina. We figured it was just best to remain nonchalant and nod along with whatever she said. Honey was cowering behind the sofa, probably put off by Tina's wild hair. Tina then opened up one suitcase, and began pulling out bag after bag. 'What's all this?' my mum asked.

'Clothes of course!' Tina beamed in reply. 'For you people,' she added chirpily. My mum looked taken aback, but then regained her composure. 'Tina, thank you!' she said. 'Yeah, thanks,' I mumbled.

I stood in my room, staring at the mountainous pile of clothes on my bed. They were all from Tina. I had to admit, the clothes were really nice, and expensive looking. Much too posh for me. Oh well, they could come in handy when it came to Aaron! They were also a few pairs of shoes. One of my favourite outfits was a sequined silver tank top, with a metallic gold skater skirt and black suede platform boots. I started moving the clothes into my closet, when I heard the front door slam. Panicked, I zipped down the stairs, two at a time. I was just in time to see my mum's retreating figure. She was heading next door! 'Why?' the word bounced around my empty skull. I noticed that my dad had left for work, and Tina was napping on the sofa. Feeling slightly bored, I returned to my room.

I continued moving Tina's clothes into my closet. I examined a short, floral party dress, and realised that my waist wasn't small enough to fit it. Le sigh. Just then, the ringing of my phone startled me out of my stupor. I lunged for my bedside table, and snatched the phone up in my hand. 'Hello?'

'Hi, Sienna!' replied a bubbly voice.

'Oh, hey, Indigo. What's up?'

'I just wanted to say; my dad took me to Harper's DVDs this morning. They were having a massive clearance sale, and I bought a whole bunch of DVDs for Tuesday night's sleepover!' The sleepover in two nights, it was all that I was looking forward to.

'Indigo, you are my savior! I have a complete lack of interesting DVDs, unless documentaries count. Thank you! What did you get?'

'Haha! Sorry, but you'll have to wait and see. It's a surprise!'

'Okay, fine then.' I was about to go on, but I heard the front door opening. My mum must be returning. 'Sorry, but I've got to go now. Minor emergency.'

'You and your emergencies! Okay, I'll see you Tuesday.'

'See you then!' I yelled, already halfway down the stairs.

'Mum, what were you doing next door?' I demanded. My mum gave me a duh- isn't-it-obvious look. 'Sienna, I was organising the welcome dinner for the new family next door. They seem like really lovely people.' The welcome dinner, I had totally forgotten about it! 'I know mum, I already met them,' I interrupted.

'Yes I know. Anyway, the dinner is set for next Friday night, at our place.'

'Ok, I'll note it down in my calendar.' I said. Great. Next Friday night, dinner, with Declan, here. I barely even knew Declan. That dinner party was going to be so awkward, I just knew it.